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Troubleshooting or Upgrading Existing Software Applications

Do you have a partially or completely built software application where you need a developer to step in and take over the project? Frustrated that software bugs haven’t been fixed or feature development wasn’t completed? Ideas2Executables can troubleshoot or upgrade existing applications, websites, and mobile apps. Whether you want to add new features, fix existing bugs, or update your software for better performance and scalability, we can help.

If your existing programmer or overseas developer has reached the limit of their skills or has left you hanging, Ideas2Executables can step in. We are native English speakers and are US- based. With 20 years of experience, we make it simple for you to get the problem fixed and improve your software with a personalized approach.

There’s no middleman when you work with us—you work directly with our chief programmer to address your needs—which allows us to offer an unparalleled customer experience throughout the process.

Our Process for Fixing and Updating Your Software

Each project starts with us first understanding the bug you need fixed or the feature you want added to your website or app. We also want to know the bigger picture, including your goals for the software. We want to get a complete understanding of what work has (or has not) been performed to date, so we can develop a project plan to address your needs.

After completing the first step, we’ll then review the existing source code and recommend a starter project. This is a smaller project we can realistically accomplish in a set amount of hours, which keeps expenses low and helps clients ensure we are the best fit.

Once we fix the problem or make improvements to your software, we will be available for additional projects and will strive to build a long-term business relationship.

Examples of Our Troubleshooting or Upgrading Existing Software Application Projects

1. Project: Adding Google Analytics Tracking an Existing Donation Form

  • Requirements: A customer with a donation form on their website powered by Bloomerang wanted to track the donation amount in Google Analytics.
  • Result: We implemented a custom JavaScript and Google Analytics solution.

2. Project: Enhance an Existing WordPress Plugin by Building Out a Custom Database Schema

  • Requirements: A customer wanted to take their WordPress plugin to the next level by implementing custom tables. The existing WordPress developer lacked the skills to accomplish this.
  • Result: I implemented custom PHP  code to generate and document the desired custom tables.

3. Project: Speed Up a Customer’s Website

  • Requirements: A customer reported that their site started to slow down every time there was a spike in traffic. The person who built the site was no longer available.  GoDaddy, the hosting provider, was unable to assist with the issue.
  • Result: I tracked the problem down to a bandwidth restricting plugin; as more visitors hit the site the system reacted by slowing the site’s performance. I removed the offending Apache module.

4. Project: Resume Development of a Custom Web App When The Previous Developer Quit

  • Requirements: A local DC lawyer had a custom web application running, but the programmer supporting it left the organization. The site owner needed someone to do general maintenance and feature development.
  • Result: I started off by identifying a small change to the site to confirm that it was a good fit to work together. 12 years later, I continue to manage and make improvements to the site.

5. Project: Assisted a Large Scale Local Community with Addressing Bugs in Their Website

  • Requirements: A Local community HOA had an issue with their Joomla site. Joomla is an increasingly rare platform to find deployed, so the organization had difficulty finding anyone to assist.
  • Result: My experience with PHP and troubleshooting meant that I could untangle their issues even though I’m not a Joomla guru.

Frequently Asked Questions About Troubleshooting or Upgrading Existing Software Applications

Can you fix the bugs I have on my current website or software?

Yes, we absolutely fix bugs in software we didn’t originally author. About half of our customers fall into this category, so let’s talk.

Do you install the software that you build?

Yes, we install the software we build. This includes uploading mobile applications to the relevant stores. We don’t consider a project complete until your end users are successfully using the software.

How do you maintain the software that you build?

Software maintenance is an essential part of our development process. We break the maintenance phase down into three parts: bug fixes, small enhancements and large enhancements. We fix bugs that arise from a fixed price project for no fee, regardless of when you find them. If you discover a bug in our software two years from its release, we’re glad to fix it free of charge.

Enhancements correspond to improvements that are not covered under the original project. We split those into two groups: small and large. For small enhancements, we identify an hourly rate at the launch of a project and any changes you want made to the system can be completed at that rate. Having a predetermined hourly rate allows us to react quickly, making small improvements in an optimal amount of time.

Finally, nearly all software requires regular, significant improvements to stay viable. We handle these larger improvements as their own phase of project development. This typically involves coming up with a new fixed price development plan and then executing this plan.

Some firms charge a retainer or monthly fee for maintenance. We never do this. There will be no charge by Ideas2Executables until you request changes to the software.

Can you copy an existing piece of software for me?

We can use existing software as inspiration and develop code that behaves in a similar way. What makes our customers successful is when they innovate, bringing new features to market. We would urge you to reconsider your strategy if all you intend to do is to create a duplicate piece of software that’s already on the market.

How can I tell if a custom software solution is right for me?

Custom software equips you with a system that meets the precise set of features and requirements you desire. This precision however, comes at a cost: compared to licensing off the shelf software, custom software is typically significantly more expensive in terms of time and cost. You will be the ultimate judge of whether this trade-off is worthwhile for you. We often recommend that users make-do with commercially available software for some period of time before developing a custom solution. Existing software typically covers only part of your needs and requires that you compromise in terms of features and functionality. This can be frustrating. However, using an 80% solution for a period of time has significant benefit: you can confirm that the need for a more costly custom solution is justified and you can understand what features will be essential in your custom build.